Argentine tango in the best ballrooms in Vermont

Team Members

Artistic Director - DJ
Alicia Cruzado
Alicia Cruzado is a renowned tango dancer and choreographer. She has made a significant impact in the world of tango both in Argentina and internationally. As a dancer, she has demonstrated exceptional technique and a deep emotional connection to the music, earning admiration for her unique style and expressiveness on the dance floor.
In addition to her talent as a dancer, Alicia Cruzado also excels as a choreographer, creating shows that blend tango tradition with contemporary elements, exploring new forms of expression within the genre.
Her contribution to tango extends beyond dance; she has also been involved in educational and cultural projects aimed at preserving and spreading the rich history and passion of Argentine tango worldwide. In summary, Alicia Cruzado is a prominent figure in the world of tango, who has dedicated her life to enriching and promoting this beloved art form.
Alicia must have a passion for Argentine Tango if she's involved with both the Argentine Tango Society and the Stowe Tango Fest! The Argentine Tango Society likely focuses on promoting and preserving the tradition of Argentine Tango through classes, events, performances, and maybe even cultural exchanges.

Photos & videos - DJ
John Coppens and Culest Bynum
John and Culest have been dancing tango for 16 years . They have been involved with the Argentine Tango Society events for many of those years, providing photography, videography, music sound system support, live performance sound re-enforcement, and technical logistical support. Their photo work is displayed at Deerfoot Photography. John has also been the DJ for many of the ATS events in Stowe and has been the Tango DJ at milongas in Montreal, Burlington, VT and Naples, FL.

Chef and General Manager
Victor Russel
Victor Russell is a Jamaican-born chef with a passion for infusing Caribbean flavors into his culinary creations. Growing up in Westermoreland Jamaica, Victor was immersed in the vibrant culinary traditions of the island from a young age. Self inspired with a passion for cooking, Victor embarked on a journey to showcase the diverse flavors of Jamaica, making his mark in various hotels in the country.
After honing his skills in local kitchens, Victor ventured abroad to expand his culinary horizons, working in renowned restaurants across North America. His fusion of traditional Jamaican ingredients with contemporary cooking techniques has earned him widespread acclaim and recognition in the culinary industry.

Sous-Chef and Assistant Manager
Novia Russel
Novia been Victor's partner over the past 15 years, working together and showcasing their skills became a dynamic culinary duo! Working as a sous-chef requires skill, organization, and the ability to support the head chef in various tasks to ensure the smooth operation of the kitchen. Together, they likely bring a blend of flavors and techniques from their respective backgrounds, enriching the culinary experience they offer.

Security and Coordinations
Phil Ciotti
I started my tango journey around 18 yrs ago. It has become an important part of my life since I retired 10 yrs ago. I travel to workshops, festivals, marathons and will enjoy being a student and sponsor of tango for as long as I'm able......so I have been inspired by all of my teachers over the years who have shared their knowledge with me and I have always tried to share that knowledge with others. working on the festival team is an honor as well as a way I can give back.

Promotions and Communnity Outreach
Silvina Sonia Damiani
Silvina Sonia Damiani holds a degree in Literature (UBA), specializing in Medieval Spanish Literature. She has been dedicated to the artistic production of tango since 2009. She collaborates with The Argentine Tango Society, a non-profit association dedicated to promoting and preserving Argentine tango, with the Stowe Tango Fest, one of the most important tango festivals in the United States, with the artistic direction of Alicia Cruzado. She has also directed Salón Marabú since its reopening in 2021.
She is the winner of an Argentores production award and has coordinated the production of several documentaries on the genre.

Logistics
Peter McNaughton
Peter has studied with Alicia Cruzado for 25 years and has assisted Alicia - the Artistic Director of Events and Shows at the Palais de Glace and throughout the Northeast – for 25 years. Peter has helped with logistics at the Stowe Tango Fest since 2005. He is grateful to be dancing Tango in America and in his native New Zealand.